In his greenhouse, located in the deep south of the United States, he raises his prize winning orchids.  Lovingly and painstakingly, he cares for each bloom, as he has done for many years.  It pays off, the time and skill he puts into growing this beautiful, unique flower.

 

He knows more about orchids that most of us will in a lifetime. 

He also possesses skills in growing brilliantly colored sunflowers found in their many gardens.

 

And has perfected the growing of Queen Anne's Lace with it's delicate white blooms.

His lovely wife is creatively talented in her own rite.  She completed the needlework on the above pictured pillowcase, and I marvel at the time and skill that was needed to complete a project like this. I was told by her daughter, that she recently made all new dust-ruffles and curtains for their bedroom.  The talents that this couple were given are so many.

Near the top of the list of their varied interests, is the unwavering support of their beloved Atlanta Brave's baseball team.  This year they were fortunate to again be given another visit to see their team play.  Before I go on with this story I need to share some very important facts regarding this dear couple:

         ~  They are both 85 years old.
         ~  They have been married for 65 of those years.
         ~  They are parents of six daughters.  They are the grandparents of our middle daughter's husband. 

Here they are entering the Brave's stadium, and as is often their practice, making friends with everyone they meet along their pathway, even the game attendents at the stadium.

Settled in at the game and so happy to be there, they are discovered by one of the game's cameramen.  It was just in time for the evening "kiss cam" and they were ready.

Don't you just love this!!!  After 65 years together, they are kissing each other for the world to see in the Brave's stadium kiss cam.  Their daughter, my son-in-law's mother was with them and captured these outstanding pictures, so that I could share them with you.  You can just sense the love and tender compassion, these two have for each other.  Remember these two are 85 years old.  Don't you hope you can look this good at 85?  I certainly do!

 

Over the years, they do not give each other cards, but they do share written messages with each other on paper plates.  They put them at the breakfast table on their special occasions, like birthdays, anniversaries, Easter, and etc.  Their daughter remembers this from her childhood and thought it was silly then, but now says, "she could almost cry as she sees their sentiments written out." 

The plates were saved and are now covering the refrigerator door in the kitchen.   How blessed they must feel each time they see these heartfelt messages.

Another ritual they do each day...Papa must give his wife a kiss and a hug before prayer at each meal.  They sit across from each other at the table, so this takes an effort and some time for him to get up and walk all the way around the table to her side to give her a hug and kiss.  Don't you just feel the love as you look at this picture?

In today's world of many failed marriages and just as many tolerated marriages, I find it quite refreshing to observe this beautiful couple.  Together they have faced life, through thick and thin, through laughter and tears, through joy and heartache...65 years has certainly covered it all.  And, they are still in love, still holding each other and supporting each other.  I was told by a very wise lady, years ago, that one of the most important keys to a happy life together, is to remember in marriage, to always practice the "golden rule"..."to do unto others as you would have them do unto you."  I can't help but think that this was one of the aspects of their long, happy married life.  And, maybe having a baseball team to support and cheer for, might be an added, necessary ingredient.

Thanks for stopping by.  Another weekend is almost upon us...enjoy!